SEOUL, 3 February (BelTA – Yonhap) – Hyundai Rotem Co., a train-making affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, started commercial operations of a magnetic levitation train developed with its own technology, the company said.
This marked the second of its kind in the world following Japan's Nippon Sharyo, which began commercial operations of its own magnetic levitation train back in 2005.
The unmanned train will run on a 6.1-kilometer route linking Incheon International Airport to a nearby airport train station. The route will be extended further later on.
In 2006, Hyundai Rotem developed a magnetic levitation train with its own technology that runs up to 110 kilometers per hour. It has been test-operated for years.
Magnetic levitation trains use a powerful magnetic field to suspend them above rails. They run 8 millimeters above rails, reducing noise and vibration and dust compared with conventional ones.
